I have a client who is on probation in pa. and is seeking employment as a substance abuse counselor? Are there any state laws restricting my client from working in the drug/alcohol field while he is on probation? Thank You.

Does this require a State license?

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

Does this require a State license?

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No. My client wanted to know if he would be permitted to work as a drug/alcohol counselor or work in a rehab in Pa. if he is still on probation for a non-violent crime. He will enroll in school soon to earn a BA in substance abuse counseling. He does not have experience yet but he would like to explore counseling by starting as a counselor assistant or a staff tech. Is this possible even though he is still on probation?

Unless his PO stops him (perhaps he's not allowed in the company of persons with drug/alcohol problems) if a facility will hire him he can work "there."

As far as "enrolling in school soon," this is immaterial. People have lots of plans. It's where/what he is now that counts.

After he graduates with a BA can he get a license with a criminal background? That's a question for the licensing board and should be resolved before he spends money on school, obtaining a degree which he may not be able to use.

The reason I asked the question about my client being on probation is because the treatment facility where I work told me that it is a Pa. state law that a person on probation cannot work in a treatment facility anywhere in Pa. Have you ever heard that?

No but it wouldn't surprise me IF the probation is somehow substance abuse related.

Wherever he applies for the job will know 100%. He should ask. Or his PO will know.

Actually it is not drug/alcohol related. It is for check fraud. He is in recovery now for over one year. I was trying to figure out if it is a state law or just the policy where I am employed. Thank you for your help. If you can offer anymore suggestions I would be happy to hear them.